Liquid elevating apparatus



A. c. WOOD LIQUID ELEVATING APPARATUS July 26, 1932.

Filed Oct.

5 SheetS-Siiaet 1 July 26, 1932;

A. C. WOOD I LIQUID ELEVATING APPARATUS Filed Oct. 24. 1927 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 July 26, 1932.

A. c. WCQD LIQUID ELEVATING APPARATUS Filed Oct. 24, 1927 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 @7770677 W: Jvnireza C ward Patented July 26, 1932 UNITED STATES ANDREW 0. W001); or CHICAGO, ILLINOIS LIQUID ELEVATING APPARATUS Application filed October 24, 1927. Serial 110.228.309.

My invention belongs to the general class of devices for elevating or conveying liquids and more particularly to an apparatus for conveying or supplying fluid or liquid. to meet a required demand. The same is particularly adapted for drawing gasoline or like fluids from a supply tank and supplying the same to the carburetor of a combustion engine as required, but the same, however, may be used wherever found applicable. The invention has among its objects the production of a simple, compact, inexpensive, reliable, eflicient and satisfactory device of the kind described. It has particularly as an object the production of a pump suitable for elevating liquids, which pump is automatically rendered operative or inoperative or its action varied depending upon the amount of liquid required to meet the demand. It has particularly as an object the production of a device of the kind described that is free of complicated parts and which does not require fine adjustment. Many other objects and advantages of the construction herein shown and described will be obvious to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein given.

To this end my invention consists in the novel construction, arrangement and combination of parts herein shown and described,

and more particularly pointed out in the claims.

In the drawings, wherein like reference characters indicate like or corresponding parts:

Fig. 1 is a sectional view through one form of my device;

Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken substantially on line 2-2 of Fig. 1, showing the bottom plan view Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken substantiallyon the line 3-3 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken substantially on line 14 of Fig. 1; r

Fig. 5 is a sectional view similar to Fig.

1, illustrating another form of the device;

Fig. 6 is a bottom plan View of the same;

Fig. *7 is a sectional view taken substantially on line 7-7 of Fig. 5

Fig. '8 is a sectional view similar to Figs.

1 and 5, illustrating another embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 9 is a sectional view taken substantially on line 9-9 of Fig. 8; i

Fig. 10 is a sectional view taken substantially on line 1010 of Fig. 8; and

11 is a sectional view corresponding to a portion of Fig. 8, illustrating a slight variation in the mechanism. 7

Referring to the drawings in which several embodiments of the invention are shown, 1 represents a shell provided with bottom'2 and top 3 forming a container or receptacle forming the chamber 4:. This receptacle is provided with an inlet opening 5 and discharge outlet 6, the details thereof being more ,65 fully explained hereafter.

Arranged within the receptacle and closely but not tightly fitting the same is an annular member 9 which is preferably but not necessarily flanged over at one end as indicated at 10 and connected by the members 12 to a reciprocating rod 11. The rod 11 is driven or actuated in any suitable manner. As shown in Fig. 1, the same is connected to an arm 13 pivotally supported at 14, 15 being a spring arranged between the top 3 and the arm 13. However, it should beunderstood that any suitable means may be employed for reciprocating the rod '11 which, as will be seen, constitutes a plunger rod. Arranged within the contain-er is a float 18 constructed in any desired manner, either of cork or in the form of a closed metallic shell or the equivalent. The float is provided with a top plate or flange 19 which overlies the flange 10 and may close the opening 20. The float 18 may be guided in any suitable manner, a tubular guiderod 21'being provided which also serves as a vent as will be hereinafter described. While the float closely fits the guide 21, the lit is not so tight but that the float will move on its guide.

In the construction shown the inlet and outlet are arranged at the bottom of the container and a member 22 is secured thereto provided with chambers 23 and 24. Gemmunicating with these chambers are the pipes 25 and 26 extending to a source of liquid supply and to a carburetor or other device, respectively. In this particular type of device, it is desired to provide check valves for controlling the passage of fluid through the inlet or outlet. For the purpose any suitable check valve mechanism may be em ployed but I prefer generally to use a valve mechanism similar to the valves 30 and 31' that are shown in Fig. 1. As shown, the part 22 is provided with plugs 27 sealing the chambers 23 and 24. Connecting the chamber 4 in the receptacle to the chamber 23 and part 22 is a tubular member 32 provided with a part 33 projecting up into the chamber 4. Generally, it is preferred to have the part 33 extend upwardly some distance above the bottom 2. A valve seat member 34 is arranged in the part 32, the same having an opening 34'. This member is provided with a valve seat 35 about the opening and the valve 30 provided with a face arranged to cooperate with the valve seat, the same having openings 36 which overlie the seat 35 when the valve is in its closed position as shown in the figure. Part 32 may be secured to the part 22 by threading the same in and to the receptacle by a nut 37, gaskets 38 being preferably provided as shown. A part 39 corresponding to the part 32 is provided for the valve 31, the same having a part 40 projecting into the chamber 4, but it may be mentioned that the inner end of the same is below the inner end of the part 33. The part 31 is provided with a valve seat 41 and the valve 31 with ports 42. In this construction, it is notnecessary to provide the valve seat member similar to 34. The opening movement of the valve is limited by a pin 43 carried by 39 and which engages the valve in the slot 44. Obviously, valve 30 may open to permit the admission of fluid into the chamber 4 from the pipe 25 but will prevent any back flow of the liquid. Valve 31 will likewise open to permit the escape of liquid from the container but will prevent the same from being drawn back into the container from the discharge pipe 26. I prefer to provide the chamber 24 with a vent 46 which, in the construction shown, communicates with the tubular guide 21 which is open at the top 47 at a point above the top of the float. A connecting member is arranged between the end of the pipe 21 and chamber 24 with gaskets 3S preventing leal'- age. The construction is obvious from the drawings.

In another embodiment of the invention shown in Figs. 5 to 7, 50 represents the container provided with the bottom and top 51 and 52, respectively. Projecting into the chamber or receptacle are the intake and discharge pipes 53 and 54, respectively. Arranged within the container is a guide member also constituting well member 55 of a size to receive the annular member or sleeve 56 substantially constituting a plunger part which is connected with the operating rod 57 by means of a bar 58, or equivaent means, 59 representing an actuating member. There is also provided a float 60 of the desired type, the bottom 61 of which is arranged to overlie and engage with the top edge of the annular plunger part or sleeve 56 and with the sleeve constitute a plunger. For reasons to be here inafter mentioned, it is unnecessary to provide a check valve in the discharge pipe 54. As shown, the part 54 is provided with a part 63 which is secured to part 69 which affords a connection with the pipe 64.

The projecting part 53 is arranged with the portion 65 at the exterior of the receptacle and which is connected to part 69 communicating with the intake pipe 66. Valve 68 and valve seat member 67 as shown are similar to the parts 30 and 34 in the construction previously described.

The operation of the mechanism shown in Figs. 1 to 3 may be described as follows: Assuming that pipe 25 is connected to a source of liquid supply and pipe 26 to a carburetor or other device, the actuating member 13 is connected to a source of power so that the rod 11 is reciprocated up and down. It may be further assumed that there is not enough liquid in the receptacle to raise the float 18 off the shoulder 10. Obviously, as the rod 11 moves up and down it carries with it the plunger consisting of the sleeve 9 and the float with its flange 19 overlying the flange 10 on the sleeve and opening 20. The sleeve and float acting as a plunger create a vacuum or partial vacuum in the chamber 4 which induces a flow of liquid through the pipe 25 up into the chamber 23, whence it is drawn past valve 30 into receptacle 4; thence it flows by gravity through the outlet 6 past valve 31 into the chamber 24 thence through pipe 26 to where desired. The device should be so designed that it is of ample size to supply the requirements of the apparatus connected with pipe 26 so that there is a supply of liquid in the chamber 4. Should the device pump or elevate more fluid into the chamber 4 than is required to be discharged, the excess liquid will raise the float off of the shoulder 10 so that as the rod 11 reciprocates, the sleeve 9 will be reciprocated but there will be no pumping action. Thus, no further liquid will be drawn through the inlet 5 but liquid will be prevented from flowing back in the pipe 25 by the check valve 30. On a suction stroke, the check valve 31 will'prevent the drawing back of fluid in the chamber 2 1 and outlet 6 into the chamber 4. By providing the vent 46 a vacuum in the chamber 24: is prevented or a pulsation of the liquid in the pipe 26 on the suction stroke pump during. the period that'the valve 31is holding to its closed position, the discharge through the pipe 26 being due to gravity and independent of the downward stroke of the plunger. As the rod 11 is reciprocated, the float will control the pumping, the float being controlled by the quantity of liquid in the receptacle. 1

With the construction shown in Fig. 5, the operation is substantially similar except that in this case the liquid pumped into the plunger guide sleeve or well is discharged over the top of the 'plungersleeve 56, the same raising the float off its-seat as the plunger descends. The outlet being on the outside of the plunger well there is no need of venting nor is a check valve necessary in this instance.

In the construction shown in Fig. 1, it is desirable that the intake pipe 83 be higher than the discharge pipe l0 so that there will always be some liquid trapped in the receptacle. In the case of the construction shown in Fig. 5, the well 55 extending above theoutlet pipe 54 insures there being some liquid in the receptacle. I

In the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 8, 71 represents the receptacle or casing provided with asuitable top 72. Arranged within the same is a tubularwell member 78 which in this embodiment is arranged within the plunger ring member and constitutes a guide for the plunger. As shown, the same-is provided with a top 74; having an opening orport 7 5 through the same, the passage of fluid through the port being controlled by a valve 75 of suitable form. Projecting upwardly to or within the part 7 3 is the intake pipe 76, the direction of flow of liquid in the pipe being normally controlled by a check valve 77 of suitable con struction. Inasmuch as valve 75 serves as a check valve, valve 77 is not essential in this type. The casing is also provided with a discharge or outlet pipe communicating with the outlet member 78 from which a suitable conduit may extend to a desired point. I

Arranged about and guided by the member 7 3 is an annular member 80 which constitutes a plunger part on the guide 73, this member being suitably connected to the float guide members 81 carried by aplate 82 whichis in turn actuated by the reciprocating rod 83 in any suitable manner. An annular float 84; is provided with the plunger plate 85 arranged to seal or close the space above the plunger or annular member 80 when the floatis carried by the same as shown in Fig. 8.

This type of device is very similar to that shown in Fig. 5, except that the member 80 corresponding with the member 56 in the other construction is arranged at the exterior of the guide or well member 7 3, or the part 73 may to all intents and purposes be considered as astationary plunger and the part 80 a movable well or pump cylinder. Assuming that there is not suflicient liquid in the casing to lift the float off its support, the same will be carried at the end of the part 80 substantially as shown in Fig. 8. As the rod 83 is raised and lowered, the cooperating member 80 and plate 85 will beraised and lowered and this will draw fluid up through the port 75 from the intake pipe 76, the valve preventing its surging back as the plunger is lowered. On the downward movement of the plunger member 80, the confined liquid will slightly raise the plate 85 and overflow into the container, the plate dropping back as the part 80 is again raised, thereby causing further liquid to be drawn from the inlet 76. If the supply of liquid in the casing is sufficient to lift and carry the float and plate 85 oil its seat on the ring 80, then no pumping action will take place, and this will continue until the fluid level drops sufficiently to permit the plate 85 to again seat and form a seal about the top of the ring 80.

A modified construction is shown more in detail in Fig. 11. Referring to Fig. 11, 73 corresponds with the part 7 3 in Fig. 8, except that the end 74 and valve 75 are omitted. The intake pipe 7 6' projects to or into the part 73 the partSO corresponds to the part 80 and'the associated parts may be similar to that shown in Fig. 8 or constructed in an equivalent manner. In this case a port is provided, together with the valve 91 of suitable typc, a flapper type valve pivotally supported at 92 being shown. As the'parts 80, etc. are raised, valve 90 will bemaintained shut owing to the suction, preventing the drawing ofliquid into 7 3 through port 90. As soon, however, as the part 80 is forced downwardly the suction is relieved and the contained fluid in 73 may flow through the port 90, opening the valve 91. Of course, when the float is raised enough to unseat the plate 85 on the part 80, thepumping action will cease. Fig. 11 is not employed where the valve 75 (Fig. 8) is provided,'nor the valve 75 where the valve 91 is employed. However, in this type a check valve 77 or its equivalent is required. s

It will be noted that a moreor less uniform liquid level is maintained. While the pump operates continuously, the float and venting mechanism operate automatically to control the pumping according to the demands in liquid discharged from-theoutlet.

Obviously the valve 91 shown in Having thus described my invention it is ice parting from the spirit of my invention; hence I do not wish to be understood as limiting myself to the exact form, construction, arrangement and combination of parts herein shown and described, or uses mentioned.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a device of the kind described and in combination, a receptacle provided with an inlet and an outlet, and pumping means for drawing fluid into the receptacle through said inlet comprising a plunger consisting of an annular ring having a relatively movable top plate and float means operatively connected with the plate, said receptacle constructed to provide a well with walls closely fitting said plunger, and means for actuating the plunger.

2. In a device of the kind described and in combination, a receptacle provided with an inlet and outlet, pumping mechanism comprising a. plunger arranged within said receptacle, said plunger consisting of an annular ring member open at the ends, a cover plate constructed to close one end of the ring member when the pumping mechanism is active, and means for moving the cover plate from the ring member when the fluid pumped reaches a predetermined level in the receptacle.

3. In a liquid elevating apparatus of the kind described and in combination, a receptacle provided with an inlet and an outlet, pumping mechanism consisting of two cooperating telescoping annular members, a plate operative to seat on the end of one of said members, a float operatively connected with said plate, said one of said members being movable and the other stationary, and means for reciprocating said movable mem ber.

4. In a liquid elevating apparatus of the kind described and in combination, a receptacle provided with a valved inlet and an outlet, pumping mechanism consisting of two cooperating telescoping annular members, substantially constituting a plunger and a cylinder, a plate operative to seat on the end of said plunger and control the passage of fluid from the interior of said annular members to the receptacle outlet, and a float operatively connected with and controlling said plate when the fluid reaches a predetermined level in the receptacle, said members being relatively movable, and means for reciproeating one of said members.

5. In a liquid elevating apparatus of the kind described and in combination, a receptacle provided with an inlet and outlet, pumping mechanism arranged within said receptacle and comprising cooperating tel-escoping stationary and movable tubular members, a plate removably seated on the end of the movable member and carried thereby, means operable by the fluid within the receptacle for lifting said plate from its seat on said member when the fluid reaches a predetermined level in the receptacle, and means for actuating said movable member, the said receptacle inlet communicating with the interior of said tubular telescoping members, one tubular member being provided with a valved port communicating with the interior of the receptacle.

6. In a liquid elevating apparatus of the kind described and in combination, a receptacle provided with a valved inlet and an outlet, pumping mechanism arranged Within said receptacle and comprising cooperating telescoping tubular members, one stationary and the other movable, a plate removably seated on the end of said movable member and carried thereby and float means for lifting said plate from its seat on said member when the fluid reaches a predetermined level in the receptacle, and means for actuating said movable member, said valved inlet communicating with the interior of said stationary member and the stationary tubular member being provided with a valved discharge port.

7. A fluid pump comprising relatively movable tubular members, one member being movable and provided with open ends, a closure member operative to seat on said member at one of said open ends and seal the member whereby the pump is operative, and float means for unseating said closure member and rendering the pump inoperative, and actuating means for the movable member.

8. A fluid pump comprising cooperating tubular members, one being movable relative to the other, said movable member being provided with means for venting the same whereby the pump is rendered inoperative, float means for controlling said venting means, and means for actuating said movable tubular member.

9. In a device of the kind described and in combination, a casing provided with an inlet and an outlet, and pumping means for drawing fluid into the casing through said inlet and maintaining a substantially uniform quantity of fluid in the casing, comprising an annular member within the casing in communication with the inlet, a plunger consisting of an annular ring arranged within and closely fitting said member and a float arranged on the ring and closing the upper end thereof when the fluid level in the casing falls below a predetermined point, and means for actuating the said ring and float in said annular member.

10. In a device of the kind described and in combination, a receptacle provided with a valved inlet and outlet, and arranged with a vent at the outlet at theexterior side of said valve, said inlet arranged above the outsi ed m name.

gn y ANDREW c. WOOD. 

